High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a deliciously creamy and savory dish perfect for a comforting dinner. Combining tender chicken with a rich cheese sauce and a hint of honey garlic flavor makes it a meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 3 chicken breasts, cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp avocado oil (or oil of choice)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup freshly grated mozzarella
• 1/2 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
• 12 oz elbow macaroni (cooked al dente)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Marinate the cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper for about 10 minutes.
2. Step 2: Cook the marinated chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked. Stir in butter, honey, and chopped parsley.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, sauté additional minced garlic in butter before adding heavy cream. Allow it to bubble gently.
4. Step 4: Stir in mozzarella and cheddar until melted and creamy.
5. Step 5: Boil elbow macaroni until al dente; drain and rinse under cold water.
6. Step 6: Combine cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and simmer on low for about 5 minutes.

Tips & Variations

• Use smoked paprika for a smoky depth, but substitute with regular paprika if preferred.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.
• Swap elbow macaroni with penne or rotini for a different pasta texture.
• To make it lighter, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though it will be less creamy.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will work well and offer a juicier texture. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The dish is not gluten-free with regular elbow macaroni. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.

High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 52 reviews

This High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a rich, creamy dish combining tender marinated chicken infused with smoky spices and garlic, served alongside cheesy macaroni. The buttery honey garlic sauce adds a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it a comforting yet protein-packed meal perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Marinade

• 3 chicken breasts, cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Sauce & Cooking

• 3 tbsp avocado oil (or oil of choice)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley

Cheese Sauce & Pasta

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup freshly grated mozzarella
• 1/2 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
• 12 oz elbow macaroni (cooked al dente)

Instructions

1. Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly and let it marinate for about 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
2. Cook Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add avocado oil. Cook the marinated chicken pieces for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked through and no longer pink inside. Stir in butter, honey, and freshly chopped parsley, allowing the butter to melt and the honey to meld into the chicken for a sticky, flavorful glaze.
3. Prepare Sauce Base: In the same skillet, add a bit of butter and sauté additional minced garlic until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle bubble, careful not to boil vigorously to avoid breaking the cream.
4. Make Cheese Sauce: Stir in the grated mozzarella and cheddar cheeses into the simmering cream mixture until completely melted and creamy, forming a smooth cheese sauce.
5. Cook Pasta: Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and rinse it briefly under cold water to stop further cooking and prevent sticking.
6. Combine and Simmer: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce in the skillet and stir well to coat. Let the mixture simmer gently on low heat for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors together before serving.

Notes

• Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
• For a richer flavor, use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties as they melt better and result in creamier sauce.
• You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half mixed with a bit of butter for a lighter texture, but the sauce might be less rich.
• Adjust salt levels carefully since cheeses can add sodium to the dish.
• Leftover dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently to preserve creaminess.

Keywords: Honey garlic chicken, high protein chicken, butter chicken recipe, creamy mac and cheese, stovetop chicken recipe